On this day

August 20, 2007

Revisit the news, notable people, and historical moments connected to this date.

Historical Context for August 20, 2007

In 2007, the world population was approximately 6,757,308,781 people[†]

Notable Deaths

Leona Helmsley

2007Leona Helmsley, American businesswoman (born 1920)[†]

Leona Roberts Helmsley was an American businesswoman. After allegations of non-payment were made by contractors hired to improve Helmsley's Connecticut home, she was investigated and convicted of federal income tax evasion and other crimes in 1989. Although having initially received a sentence of 4 years, she was required to serve only 19 months in prison and two months under house arrest. During the trial, a former housekeeper testified that she had heard Helmsley say: "We don't pay taxes; only the little people pay taxes." This quote was identified with her for the rest of her life. Helmsley's flamboyant personality and reputation for tyrannical behavior especially towards her employees earned her the nickname Queen of Mean.

Historical Events

China Airlines Flight 120

2007China Airlines Flight 120 catches fire and explodes after landing at Naha Airport in Okinawa, Japan.[†]

China Airlines Flight 120 was a regularly scheduled flight from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport in Taoyuan County, Taiwan to Naha Airport in Okinawa, Japan. On 20 August 2007 the Boeing 737-809 (WL) aircraft operating the flight caught fire and exploded after landing and taxiing to the gate area at Naha Airport. Four people—three from the aircraft and one ground crew—sustained injuries in the accident. The fire had been caused by a loose bolt puncturing a fuel tank. The aircraft was written off.

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Headlines from August 20, 2007